Responses requested!!

Tuesday, October 29, 2013

Yesterday there was a question on one of the message boards regarding doing workouts even if you don't like them. The responses were varied and interesting! Here are my thoughts on the topic!
I've tried to do workout routines that I feel like I need to do because they'll make me physically stronger, help me get in shape, etc.. At times I have grown to "like" some of these routines and they continue to be a part of my life; however there have been a few that I have made the conscience choice to quit, as I just couldn't get to the point where I "liked" them... The choice to "quit" a routine doesn't come easy for me, as I believe in finishing what I start, but after at least six sessions of a new routine if I just am NOT enjoying it... I will and have quit!! It's not about how difficult the routine is, it's about do I enjoy what I'm doing, if I really, truly, don't enjoy what I'm doing it will NOT be come a habit and therefore not a healthy part of my life! Thank goodness, this has only happened twice with cardio kick boxing and then again with cross fit training.

MAYBER
Doing something you neither like nor enjoy makes no sense and is an obstacle to your successKeep trying new routines until you find something that works for youThis getting fabulous and fit is not a one routine fits allOne day at a time1131 days ago

TEACHEROF4TH
I agree that you need to like what you're doing with exercise. There's a difference between not wanting to attend a workout because of feeling lazy or sluggish, and not wanting to go because it's just not right for you. You've made wise choices. Keep working out with what you like, and best of luck to you!1132 days ago

MYAKAYAH
You'll stick with exercise if you like what you are doing, if you hate it you will find a way to quit eventually. I like walking more than anything else I do for exercise so it means the other high burning calorie activities are done less. I can live with that! I never do exercise that I hate period, life is too short for such nonsense~1133 days ago

BIGGUY01
My experience is to find the activities I liked. Mine are hiking, trails, and most other outdoor stuff. I tried the spinning routine and the first time I left the gym, went home and soaked in a hot bath tub with Epsom salts. Didn't try it again for a long time. As part of my Group Fitness Trainer training I took a day long course on spinning and found out that my bike wasn't set up for my body. I found out that the seat position is sooo important. I tried it again and the soreness was still there but not so bad. I then invested in a pair of cycling pants and now I teach spin several times a week. I just love it and for me I don't think there is a better one hour cardio workout anywhere. Moral of the story...invest your time in finding out all there is to know about the activity you are "not liking" before you give up on it.1133 days ago

4KWALK
I agree with your point of view. If I don't like something I am not going to do it. It becomes a chore than not fun. Exercise that is not fun does not get done right so what is the sense?1133 days ago

2TIGRE
AMEN!!! I just about believe the same exact thing. The way I see it, for me, maintaining a regular exercise program is challenging enough without throwing in activities I don't enjoy.

I've been maintaining a solid exercise program for nearly two yrs now. The only way I have been able to do this is by finding activities that I enjoy doing. For me, my learning experiences were yoga and spinning.

I gave both activities ample time for me to acclimate to them and neither ever appealed to me enough to continue after my intro pkgs were done. Furthermore, with yoga, I actually injured myself to the point where I couldn't even engage in my fave activities for a couple of weeks. Even then I had to ease back into my fave exercise so as not to injure myself again or cause more pain.

While I'm not opposed to trying new things, these days, I stick to my running, walking and core exercises. They've been working for me for a long time and I really enjoy them.1134 days ago

MRSRIGS1 You will not make it a part of your routine if you are not enjoying an exercise. There are so many to choose from that I'm sure you'll find one that you do enjoy and therefore stick with. 1134 days ago

PROPMAN1
I agree about quitting if you don't like what you're doing because if you don't enjoy it....it will not become part of your program. Sometimes, it's best to give it the good old 'college try' and if it still isn't for you...let it go. You never know what will happen once you really try it. 1135 days ago

PERRYR
Gotta weigh in here. I agree - if you don't like it, quit, find something else.BUT - have to be honest with yourself before you quit. If you quit because it is too hard, because you aren't fit or strong enough, maybe you just need to scale back until you are fit enough. It seems that you would run out of options if everything isn't to your liking. If the others in your class have been doing it for a long time, of course they'll be better at it and have an easier time.

SJKENT1
I don't like exercise... I don't like getting up early to exercise... I hate it. But I do like how I feel when I exercise... I like how I look when I exercise (well not during ) but because of the exercise... so I do it!1135 days ago

AMARILYNH
I agree and disagree. If you can find another exercise/plan to gain the same strength, then yes, I agree 100%. But I (this is just me) don't like ST, yet I am doing it because 1. I like the muscle definition I'm seeing in my arms and 2. muscle burns more calories than fat and 3. overall strength gives me more 'functional fitness'.

For me, I haven't looked hard enough to find SOME ST routine that I like. I hope I will one day, but I haven't yet. So until I do I will just grin and bear it. Because I DO like those muscles!!1135 days ago

JOANNHUNT
GOOD QUESTION. IF YOU CAN'T GET INTO THE ROUTINE MOVE ON AND TRY ANOTHER. GO BACK AFTER A FEW WEEKS AND TRY IT AGAIN. IF YOU STILL CAN'T GET INTO IT, MOVE ON. IF YOU CAN'T GET INTO IT, IT ISN'T GOING TO HELP YOU. ENJOY YOUR JOURNEY AND REMEMBER TO HAVE FUN ALONG THE WAY.

NANFITGRAN
I totally agree with you. There are so many different workouts/routines/activities to choose from that finding one that you enjoy and look forward to will mean that you will actually DO it rather than avoid it. Just find a few so you're not stuck in a rut, mix them up to challenge yourself and your muscles, and keep on "sampling" different things. You're bound to find some new ones to add to your mix 1135 days ago

THINFITFEMINIST
I have a muscular issue that acts up if I exercise too strenuously or too long. Part of that is having to modify what I do for exercise. I am not certain how this effected past new work out routines. Let's just say for the sake of honesty, I've given a lot my best and cannot do that anymore. 1135 days ago

WRITERWANNAB
If I try to make myself do something I really dislike, I'll use any excuse not to work out. Often there is another exercise that will achieve the same improvement. We have to be able to adapt. 1135 days ago

LIVELYGIRL2
It's good to try a variety and do a few things that are plain good for you, or maybe some wouldn't exercise at all. But it's kinda dub to always do stuff you dispise, don't ya think ? 1135 days ago